Eating Away at Wrinkles

A fountain of youth may be as close as your kitchen, new study
findings suggest. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and unsaturated
fats
may ward off wrinkles by boosting the skin's natural defenses
against sun damage.

In an international study of eating patterns and skin aging,
investigators found that dark and fair-skinned people who
ate plenty of wholesome foods but passed on butter, red meat
and sugary confections were less prone to wrinkling. Some
of the skin-smoothing foods included green leafy vegetables,
beans, olive oil, nuts and multigrain breads, researchers
reported in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Many of the skin-protecting foods the study turned up are
rich in antioxidant vitamins, which may fend off environmental
damage. More than 400 adults, aged 70 and older, who ate more
of the foods that are universally recommended for good health
had smoother skin.

The study authors speculate that certain foods offered skin
protection due to their high levels of antioxidants such as
vitamins A, C, and E. Monosaturated fats such as olive oil
may offer beneficial protection through the same mechanism.
Fatty acids are present in the skin, and monosaturated fats
resist oxidative damage.

How do you know what fruits and vegetables have high levels
of antioxidants? Ask your doctor of chiropractic, or ask that
your local grocer post nutritional information about the products
that you choose, if they don't already. For additional information
on senior health issues, visit http://www.chiroweb.com/tyh/senior.html.

Reference:

Purba M, Kouris-Blazos A, Wattanapenpaiboon N, et al. Skin
wrinkling: can food make a difference? Journal of the American
College of Nutrition 2001:20(1), pp. 71-80.